At the Hellmans/Facebook Feeding America Charity Event on Thursday aftenoon, country star Billy Ray Cyrus responded to the controversy surrounding daughter Miley’s controversial pole-dancing routine at the Teen Choice Awards earlier this month.

While performing her hit song, “Party In The USA” at the Aug. 10 event, the 16-year-old Disney star gyrated feverishly and danced next to a metal pole attached to the top of an ice cream cart. Her seductive dance moves drew criticisms across the Web.

When asked about the controversy, Billy Ray replied: “You know what? I just think that Miley loves entertaining people. She loves singing [and] songwriting.”

“I always tell her to love what you’re doing and stay focused for the love of the art and not worry so much about opinion,” he added.

Do you think Billy Ray is being a bit cavalier about the severity of the situation? After all, the child already has a pedo stalker following her around the country. Is it really a good idea to fan the flames with R-rated choreography?